V. I. P.
Series: Authentic Faith
May 22, 2022
Frank Foreman
It can be really nice to get the VIP treatment when you are on vacation, having a nice dinner out, attending a sporting event, etc. It can be a bit intoxicating to have someone tending to whatever need you might have in the moment. Having the best seat, the best view, the best everything, so to speak, can certainly stroke a person's ego. ---------- Needless to say, one place where there shouldn't be a need for VIP treatment is the church. This is especially true in light of Jesus' own teaching about the "pecking order" in the kingdom. If you want to be first, choose to be last. You want to be great in the kingdom, choose to be a selfless servant. Hardly qualification for a VIP mentality. ---------- This Sunday, Frank addresses this issue, recognizing the truths that we find in the book of James. We invite you to join us and hear the message and find out more about how it applies to our lives as followers of Christ. In fact, we hope that as you join us and hear the Word of God taught, that His Spirit would guide you into an understanding that helps you to grow in wisdom and in truth.
Episode Notes
Authentic Faith James 2:1-13
VIP May 22, 2022
1st John 3:16-18, By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers. But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him? Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.
Big Idea: The maturing Christian treats others as Christ treats them.
(Journal) James:2:1
1. Be careful not to wrongly judge by appearances.
(Journal) James:2:2-4
Acts 2:44-45, And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need.
2nd Corinthians 8:1-2, We want you to know, brothers, about the grace of God that has been given among the churches of Macedonia, for in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part.
2. Be careful not to have an attitude of disrespect.
(Journal) James:2:5-7
Matthew 19:21-22, Jesus said to him, “If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in Heaven; and come, follow Me.” When the young man heard this he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.
Luke 19:8-9, And Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, “Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor. And if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I restore it fourfold.” And Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, since he also is a son of Abraham.
3. Be careful not to pick and choose God’s Law.
(Journal) James:2:8-11
Matthew 22:37-40, And He said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.”
Romans 13:10, Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfilling of the Law.
(Journal) James:2:12-13
Next Step: Treat everyone the same…. Love all with God’s heart.
Content Copyright Belongs to New Horizons Christian Church
6607